Happenings of the Chabad Lubavitch אנ"ש community of Rockland County, New York

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Parsha Perspective

By Rabbi
Yisroel Shusterman

This
week’s Parsha Perspective is dedicated by Mr. Binyomin Philipson in memory of
his late mother Mrs. Ellen (Elka bas Zisel) Philipson OBM

The words ring out
again and again in the biblical account of the Exodus story, as Moses repeatedly
demands of the unrelenting Pharaoh that he grant the Jewish people their
freedom, in the Torah portion this week Bo (Shmos [Exodus]
10:1-13:16).

Actually, the
precise words that Moses conveys to the stubborn monarch in the name of G‑d are, “Shalach
ami v’yaavduni,”“Let My people go so that they may serve Me.” (Exodus
10:3)

It is interesting to
see how some expressions and phrases become memorable and popular, while others
just don’t seem to catch on. “Let My People Go” became the theme song for the
story of Egypt and the Exodus way beyond the Jewish community. It has been used
as a catchphrase for a variety of political causes. Unfortunately, the last
Hebrew word of the phrase somehow got lost in the shuffle: v’yaavduni -
“that they may serve Me” - never quite made it to the top of the charts. The
drama of the Exodus captures our imagination, while the fact that that the
purpose of leaving Egypt was to go to Sinai, receive G‑d’s Torah and
fulfill Jewish destiny is less emphasized. The call to freedom excites the
human spirit; the challenge of service and commitment, by contrast, doesn’t
seem to elicit as much enthusiasm.

One might remember
back in the early ’70s, when Jews the world over were demonstrating for
their oppressed brethren in the then Soviet Union, demanding of the Russian
government that they allow Jews the freedom to leave if they wanted to. Their
rallying cry was, “Let My People Go!” Sadly, they left out the v’yaavduni.
We were so concerned about political liberties that we forgot a primary purpose
of being free: to enjoy religious freedom and live fulfilled Jewish lives.

Indeed, for so many
of our Russian brethren, obtaining their exit visas and acquiring freedom of
movement did little to help them reclaim their spiritual heritage and identity.
Seventy years of organized atheism behind the Iron Curtain left their toll. We
are delighted that they can live in Israel (or Brighton Beach), but
the fact remains that far too many remain outside of the Jewish community and
its spiritual orbit.

It is clear that
political freedom minus spiritual purpose equals disillusionment. Leaving Egypt
without the vision of Sinai would be getting all dressed up with nowhere to go.
It is not enough to let our people go. We have to take them somewhere. “That
they may serve Me” means that we need to use our political freedom to
experience the freedom and fulfillment of faith, and a life of spiritual
purpose dedicated to G‑d’s service; to realize our destiny, achieve our goal
and indeed be a “light unto the nations”.